The new class VII social science textbook in Kerala has become the cause of clashes. Groups
agitating against the book allege its content is anti-religion, while the state curriculum board says it
propagates religious tolerance.
P N Venugopal reports on the controversy.

The census of 2000-01 showed that the dropout rate from schools in Karnataka stood at 10.5%. One of the main reasons cited for the dropouts was that teaching methods used in the schools are archaic, and do not sufficiently motivate students to remain in class. Educationists say that in addition to outdated teaching methods, inadequate teaching learning material (TLM) and laboratory equipment are also factors that contribute to dropouts.
Padmalatha Ravi reports

The K N Panikkar committee recommended a change in a controversial chapter of a social sciences textbook that triggered violent agitation on the grounds that it promoted atheism and communism.
PN Venugopal has more.